River Onyar Girona
Girona's vibrant Onyar River houses and medieval Barri Vell offer a picturesque escape with rich history and charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for reflections
River Onyar Girona
Best Time
Magical light for reflections
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Girona's vibrant Onyar River houses and medieval Barri Vell offer a picturesque escape with rich history and charm.
"The colorful houses by the canal offer a wonderful scenery that changes according to the light."
📸 Capture the Reflections
Visit during golden hour for the best light and reflections of the colorful houses on the Onyar River.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Girona's charm lies in its cobblestone streets and medieval walls; wear comfy shoes for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Colorful Onyar Houses
River Onyar banks
Vibrant, historic houses reflected in the Onyar River, creating a picturesque European scene.
Girona Cathedral
Plaça de la Catedral
A magnificent Gothic cathedral with a grand staircase, famously featured in Game of Thrones.
Medieval City Walls
Perimeter of Barri Vell
Walk along well-preserved medieval walls for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Barri Vell (Old Town)
Girona's historic center
Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, discover hidden squares, and explore the ancient Jewish Quarter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Colors of Onyar
Day Trip or Deeper Dive?
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Reflections
Visit during golden hour for the best light and reflections of the colorful houses on the Onyar River.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Girona's charm lies in its cobblestone streets and medieval walls; wear comfy shoes for exploring.
🚆 Easy Train Access
Trains from Barcelona Sants to Girona are frequent and affordable, making it a perfect day trip.
📜 Game of Thrones Filming
Seek out filming locations like the Cathedral and the steps of Sant Feliu for GoT fan photos. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Reflections
Visit during golden hour for the best light and reflections of the colorful houses on the Onyar River.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Girona's charm lies in its cobblestone streets and medieval walls; wear comfy shoes for exploring.
🚆 Easy Train Access
Trains from Barcelona Sants to Girona are frequent and affordable, making it a perfect day trip.
📜 Game of Thrones Filming
Seek out filming locations like the Cathedral and the steps of Sant Feliu for GoT fan photos. +1
🍰 Try a Xuixo
Don't leave without tasting a 'xuixo,' a delicious cream-filled pastry unique to Girona.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Girona's picturesque Onyar River houses and well-preserved medieval architecture, often comparing its charm to cities like Bruges or Venice. It's praised as a delightful and less crowded alternative to Barcelona, perfect for leisurely strolls and soaking in history. Some note that while the houses are beautiful, many are not inhabited.
"The 'must-see' point of any trip to Girona, this picturesque raw of houses by the canal, with their intense colors, will remind you of other sites in Europe, like Bruges or Venice.
Despite, sorry to say, that the majority are much debilitated and hence inhabitable, they still they offer a wonderful scenery that changes according to the light."
Irene Cotrina
"Good place for a walk"
Aleksander Górski
"Rio Onyar is a beautiful bridge area in Girona, a small town near Barcelona. This town is so quaint and pretty. I highly recommend a visit here if you have time. The place isn’t packed with people and tourists so it’s a nice place to walk around and see beautiful architecture."
V K M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Girona is easily accessible by train from Barcelona Sants station. The journey takes approximately 38-90 minutes, with trains running every 30-60 minutes. Tickets typically range from €9-€25.
Yes, Girona is a very walkable city, especially the historic Barri Vell. Most attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.
Absolutely! Girona makes for an excellent day trip from Barcelona due to its proximity and the frequent train service. +1
Exploring on foot is the best way to discover Girona's charm. Consider walking the medieval walls and wandering through the Barri Vell.
Yes, there are several parking garages available in Girona, particularly near the city center and train station, though walking is recommended for exploring the historic areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the colorful houses along the River Onyar are part of the city's facade and can be viewed freely from the riverbanks and bridges.
While viewing the exterior and main plaza is free, there might be a fee to enter certain parts of the Girona Cathedral or its museum. It's best to check their official website for current pricing.
Walking the medieval walls of Girona is generally free and offers fantastic views.
Many of Girona's main attractions, including the Onyar houses, the medieval walls, and wandering through the Barri Vell, are free to enjoy.
Opening hours vary for specific attractions like the Cathedral and museums. It's advisable to check the official websites for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The banks of the River Onyar, especially during golden hour, offer iconic shots of the colorful houses. The Girona Cathedral and its staircase, as well as panoramic views from the medieval walls, are also highly photogenic.
Late afternoon and early evening (golden hour) provide the most beautiful light for capturing the vibrant colors and their reflections in the River Onyar.
Yes, there are photography tours available in Girona that can guide you to the best vantage points and help you capture stunning images.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the facades along the river and cityscapes from the walls. A standard zoom lens is versatile for street photography and details.
Photography rules inside the Girona Cathedral can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask staff regarding restrictions on interior photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Don't miss trying a 'xuixo,' a sweet, cream-filled pastry. Girona also offers excellent Catalan cuisine, including pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) and local seafood.
Yes, the areas around the Onyar River and within the Barri Vell offer a variety of restaurants, from traditional Catalan eateries to modern cafes.
Yes, El Celler de Can Roca, a world-renowned restaurant, is located in Girona. Reservations are essential and often need to be made far in advance.
Look for 'menú del día' (menu of the day) deals at local restaurants for affordable and authentic Catalan meals. Bakeries also offer great value for pastries and light snacks.
Xuixos can be found in most bakeries and pastry shops throughout Girona. Many locals recommend trying them from various places to find your favorite.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a leisurely stroll along the Onyar River, where the colorful houses offer a vibrant backdrop for family photos.
Many of Girona's attractions are outdoors and easily accessible on foot, making it manageable with strollers. Pack comfortable shoes for everyone, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on charming cobblestones. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Take advantage of the excellent public transport to reach Girona from Barcelona, and once there, immerse yourself in the history by walking the medieval walls or exploring the Barri Vell.
Consider joining a free walking tour to get acquainted with the city and meet other travelers.📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 The Girona Cathedral, with its impressive facade and grand staircase, provides dramatic architectural shots. Explore the Barri Vell for charming cobblestone streets, ancient doorways, and atmospheric alleyways.
Walking the medieval walls offers unique perspectives and panoramic cityscapes. Night photography along the Onyar River can also yield magical results. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Onyar River Houses
They were once home to the city's textile workers and their families, adding a layer of historical significance to their picturesque appearance. The houses are a testament to Girona's ability to blend its rich history with modern aesthetics. These houses offer a stunning visual spectacle, especially when reflected in the Onyar River. The best time to capture this iconic view is during the 'golden hour' – the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset – when the light casts a warm glow and creates beautiful reflections.
+1 Photographers and visitors alike are drawn to this unique riverside panorama, which has been compared to the charm of Bruges or Venice. Exploring Girona's Medieval Past
A must-do is walking along the extensive medieval city walls, which offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Within the Barri Vell, you'll find the Girona Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic structure with a striking Baroque facade and a grand staircase.
Exploring these areas allows visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in Girona's centuries-old history. Girona for Game of Thrones Fans
Fans can retrace the steps of their favorite characters by visiting iconic filming spots. The grand staircase of the Girona Cathedral was famously used as the steps of the Great Sept of Baelor.
Exploring these locations offers a unique way to experience Girona, blending historical exploration with pop culture fandom.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit